Why Assess Your Teen For ADHD?

If you’ve been wondering whether your teen or child might have ADHD, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves asking whether the struggles they’re seeing, with focus, motivation, emotions or routines are part of growing up, or something more.

Getting an ADHD assessment doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. It means you’re taking a step toward understanding how your child’s brain works, and how best to support them.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects:

• Concentration

• Impulse control

• Emotional regulation

• Planning and organisation (also known as executive function)

It’s often misunderstood as simply being fidgety, distracted, or hyper - but ADHD is much more complex than that. It presents differently in every child, and especially so between boys and girls, or those who tend to internalise their difficulties.

Why Does Assessment Matter?

When ADHD goes undiagnosed, it can leave children feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or constantly "behind." Without proper support, the challenges can start to affect:

• School performance

• Friendships and social confidence

• Emotional wellbeing

• Family relationships and routines

A proper diagnosis offers clarity. It helps explain behaviours that may have felt confusing, and creates a foundation for understanding, empathy, and support — both at home and at school.

What Are the Benefits of an ADHD Assessment?

An ADHD assessment offers much more than just a diagnosis, it provides real answers, based on clinical expertise and evidence. Instead of relying on guesswork or assumptions, you’ll gain a clear understanding of your child’s behaviour and how their brain works.

With this insight comes a tailored support plan, including practical recommendations that can be shared with your child’s school, GP, and wider care network. Many families tell us that the assessment process helps their child feel validated - not broken or behind, but simply different in a way that makes sense.

It also opens the door to exploring a range of treatment options, from medication to therapeutic or lifestyle approaches, depending on what feels right for you. For parents, having this knowledge can bring a real sense of empowerment and confidence in how to support your child moving forward.

Could an Assessment Help Your Child?

If your teen or child:

• Is often overwhelmed by routine tasks

• Struggles with focus, memory, or motivation

• Has emotional outbursts or big mood swings

• Is bright, creative, or sensitive but always behind at school

• Feels misunderstood or labelled as “difficult” or “lazy”

...then it may be time to look a little deeper. You don’t have to wait for a school referral or years on an NHS list to get clarity.

We’re Here to Help

At Bright Star, we offer ADHD assessments for young people aged 12 to 17, either in person in Hastings or online via Zoom. All assessments are conducted by a Clinical ADHD Nurse Specialist and include a full diagnostic report, school and home feedback, and next-step recommendations.

We believe every child deserves to feel understood — and that starts with listening, without judgment.

Get in touch to ask us your questions.